Losing 35 lbs in about 6 months was inspired me to do better.

"I thought it was time to share: Rock bottom was realizing that I couldn’t stand from a sitting position without holding on to something. I started to have trouble cleaning my house because bending and kneeling were so uncomfortable. If I was on the floor it was an ugly struggle to get up. I started this lifestyle change in October of 2017 with Intermittent Fasting on a 16:8 schedule. I immediately lost pounds and inches even though I ate whatever I wanted including buttermilk Chicken tenders (often) from McDonald's. I was still a sugar addict, and still baking and eating whatever I wanted in my window. Losing 35 lbs in about 6 months was inspired me to do better. Here are some stats and the lifestyle changes that I think have made the biggest difference. I want to emphasize that I follow the “Delay Don’t Delay” philosophy - however, this lifestyle has completely changed my tastes and so while I will occasionally still have a sugary treat, I rarely want them and I’m no longer addicted!!! I’ve been a binge eater since middle school. Now Some days I have to force myself to eat because my appetite is just that under control: HW: 289 SW: 279 CW: 228.5 GW: 160-170 Height: 5’7.5 *Went from size 22/24W to 14/16W *Went down an entire shoe size and can’t wear my size 12s at all! *I can now get up from standing and do a partial squat!!! *People compliment my skin all the time! It’s never looked better. *Appetite is 100% under control - no more binging and I can say no to stuff offered even when my window is open because I just don’t crave it. *Stomach has shrunk, I can eat big portions anymore and no longer feel compelled to clean my plate. *I actually prefer black coffee now! (I really was a sugar addict before!) *Don’t drink much else other than water, mineral water, and seltzer (my kids love seltzer now too). *everything including soda is too sweet *had to change mentally like treating myself to clothes, a hairdo, or makeup instead of food. *Changed routines and habits so I drink water on my way home instead of going to the drive-thru. *I have more energy, more mental clarity/focus, better mood *While I was still figuring this out I maintained a 35-pound weight loss for over a year. Didn’t lose pounds but continued to lose inches. *Decided to minimize carbs and sugar which is what has been a turning point in terms of appetite. *Most days I do OMAD 20:4. I only eat if and when I’m hungry. Some days I’m hungrier than others so I’ll eat two meals on a 16:8 schedule. *On the rare occasion I wake hungry I’ll eat a keto breakfast and then fast for 12 hours. I will cheat on special occasions but only if I want to - I no longer feel compelled to eat because there’s good food in front of me. * I did my first 30 hour extended fast yesterday (could have gone longer). Doing an Extended fast is mind over matter for me. I will caution you that you may get an adrenaline rush which could interrupt your sleep. *I didn’t exercise much at all (let’s say an average of once a week - mostly walking because both of my knees have zero cartilage (osteoarthritis). Now that I have minimal knee and ankle pain I will be joining Planet Fitness. *I feel like IF has saved my life and I plan to do it forever. I literally tried EVERYTHING starting my first diet under doctor supervision at age 10. People/Groups I follow for tips and inspiration: -Two Fit Docs - YouTube -Dr. Berg Keto Lab - YouTube/Facebook -OMAD/One Meal a Day - Facebook -Fledge Fitness - YouTube -Delay Don’t Deny by Gin Stevens (Get this Book!) she also has a Facebook group -I have the “Lose It” app premium membership and logging helps although I don’t know if I need it anymore. -I use Apple Watch to keep track of steps and stay motivated. Thanks to everyone in these Facebook groups for being so open and helpful, especially to the newbies. We all we newbies. Be kind to yourselves and each other/ Don’t give up - you can do it!"